I would rent in the city first if your heart is set on living in the city.

I did buy in The East Bay, the heart of the bay area in 1986 that doubled in value by 1988 and each decade after. 

I'm a contrarian at heart.

Walking away from $20k worth of debt isn't the mentality of a successful real estate investor but maybe that's not the profession you really want anyway  It sounds like you're looking for a safe 9-5 job that doesn't require the heart that being successful at real estate does. 

In the other breath he is listening to folks who do not seem to have that same endeavor at heart.  

And it seems Mayor Michael Tubbs must've stumbled onto my post and read it (or at least I like to think so) because big moves are happening with Stockton's Open Window Project.From the first page of the report (pay special attention to sections I emphasized):"The ‘Open Window Project’ (OWP) Master Development Plan (MDP) for Downtown Stockton proposes to create the framework, urban design standards and guidelines for the urban regeneration of the heart of the City transforming it into a vibrant, mixed use, mixed-income, pedestrian friendly neighborhood.The MDP envisions transforming 11.884 net acres on 51 individual parcels over 15 city blocks into a dense urban environment with as many as 1,400 new dwellings together with retail stores, live/work lofts, and work spaces.

Little did we know how this would open our hearts to the plight of orphans and human trafficking victims worldwide.The most disadvantaged in our societies, the ones who can’t fight for themselves, often live in the shadows.

My heart goes out to people in each stage because they are all people that want more for themselves and their families.

I do this out of the kindness of my heart.  

If I'm going to be one heart beat away from poverty, I want it to be my heart beat and not someone else's.